News

New study by WHO/Europe and ECDC examines variations in antibiotic consumption in European countries between 2014 and 2018 07-07-2021
The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have released a report on the consumption of antibiotics in countries across the WHO European Region. The report highlights changes in consumption of antibiotics in many countries, but it also highlights the need for more detailed data to improve strategies to reduce antimicrobial consumption across the European Region.
Strengthening partnerships with non-State actors to achieve the European Programme of Work – “United Action for Better Health in Europe” 02-07-2021
More than 90 non-State actors (NSAs) joined a briefing highlighting the WHO Regional Committee for Europe’s agenda, and recommending ways to engage and showcase their work undertaken in collaboration with WHO/Europe.
WHO/Europe and EuroHealthNet sign agreement to collaborate on addressing health inequalities and promoting sustainable development 09-06-2021
WHO/Europe and EuroHealthNet have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a legal basis for collaboration on health promotion, health equity, investments for health, sustainable development, and prosperity for people and planet.
15 years of partnership for health – ECDC and WHO/Europe agree on joint 2021 activities 21-05-2021
This year celebrates 15 years of successful cooperation between the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe, at a time when COVID-19 continues to underscore the importance of establishing strong partnerships.
European countries adopt Vienna Declaration on clean, safe and healthy transport and first-ever Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion 18-05-2021
Today, European countries adopted the Vienna Declaration to spur the transformation towards clean, safe, healthy and inclusive transport and mobility, with a strong focus on promoting cycling across the pan-European region .
European Immunization Week 2021: Celebrating the past, present and future benefits of vaccines 26-04-2021
This past, difficult year of the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear how vulnerable we all are to a deadly new disease, when we don’t have the right vaccines or medical technologies we normally use to fight back.
WHO and UNDP host joint session on intersectoral responses to COVID-19 23-03-2021
Over 100 participants joined a peer-learning round table centred on the impact of COVID-19 on people’s lives, and strengthening health systems and social protection, as part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) 2021 Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. A wide range of partners – including governments, civil society, youth groups, the private sector and United Nations agencies, from Albania, Georgia, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the Republic of Moldova – provided case studies and shared their experiences of the pandemic response.
A renewed partnership with the European regions 16-02-2021
On 4 February 2021, WHO/Europe and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) renewed their partnership by signing a new memorandum of understanding, as well as an accompanying action plan, based on the European Programme of Work and the political priorities of the CoR in 2020–2025.
EU and WHO Regional Office for Europe join forces to ensure deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination in six European countries, their largest collaboration in the European Region to date 11-02-2021
The European Union (EU) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe will work together in a major effort to support deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination in the six EU Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The project, funded by the EU and implemented by the Regional Office, will cover all phases – constituting “end-to-end” support – of COVID-19 vaccine deployment and vaccination. It will also serve as a major investment to strengthen routine immunization systems in the six countries.
WHO/Europe’s Regional Director’s visit to Ukraine: reinforcing partnerships for COVID–19 response and health system strengthening 23-12-2020
During a recent visit to Ukraine, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge stressed WHO’s continued support for the COVID–19 response in Ukraine and the health system transformation amid the pandemic. The three-day visit provided an opportunity to discuss the country’s COVID–19 preparedness and response, health system reform process, humanitarian response and socioeconomic recovery, and the importance of strengthening the prison health system capacity in Ukraine during meetings with high-level representatives of the Government of Ukraine and international development partners.
WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council begin putting memorandum of understanding into action 03-12-2020
WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge and Secretary General of the Turkic Council Mr Baghdad Amreyev met this week as the organizations work towards establishing a united action plan for health and collaboration.
New agreement between WHO/Europe and Welsh Government launched to accelerate action on health equity 05-11-2020
WHO/Europe and the Welsh Government have agreed to work more closely together to promote health equity and rights and to ensure prosperity for all. Discussions with Public Health Wales and National Health Service (NHS) Wales, held at a virtual meeting on 4 November 2020, focused on the next steps in implementing the new agreement, and how to identify and overcome the common challenges faced by society both before and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Nations at 75: bringing humanity together for a better tomorrow 23-10-2020
Seventy-five years ago, countries came together and formed the United Nations, in the hope of saving future generations from the scourge of war. Today, the United Nations is the only forum in the world where 193 countries can discuss issues affecting us all, find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Non-State actors accredited in 2020; applications now open for 2021! 21-10-2020
Since 2016, WHO/Europe has encouraged regional non-State actors not already in official relations to apply to become accredited to participate in the meetings of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. This participation mechanism further enhances the ability of non-Sate actors to engage in and strengthen the important work being undertaken in the WHO European Region.
Governments across the WHO European Region contribute over US$ 749 million to the COVID-19 global response 15-10-2020
Governments from across the WHO European Region have donated and pledged over US$ 749 million (€630.7 million) to help fund the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic around the world through the COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP).
WHO, FAO, OIE and UNEP join efforts to raise awareness of rabies in the Russian Federation 14-10-2020
The Tripartite Plus Alliance – WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – together with Russian government agencies in Moscow marked World Rabies Day on 28 September 2020.
Call for greater collaboration to address crises at European Health Forum Gastein 13-10-2020
WHO’s European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies moderated and took part in a number of panels at this year’s European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), which ran its first-ever virtual conference 28 September – 2 October 2020 on the theme ‘Dancing with elephants: new partnerships for health, democracy, business’.
WHO and European Union support COVID-19 training for medical personnel in Georgia to improve health system readiness 30-09-2020
One hundred and forty health workers from across Georgia – frontline responders to the pandemic – received specialized training to effectively respond to COVID-19 cases while ensuring their own safety and preventing further transmission.
WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council sign a memorandum of understanding strengthening new partnerships in the WHO European Region 16-09-2020
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Mr Baghdad Amreyev, Secretary General of the Turkic Council, signed a memorandum of understanding between WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council on 11 September 2020.
In brief: the 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC70) 15-09-2020
For the first time, the WHO Regional Committee for Europe took place virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Among the highlights of this year’s session was the endorsement by Member States of the European Programme of Work (EPW). The EPW sets down a 5-year vision of how WHO/Europe and Member States will work together to meet citizens’ expectations for health.
Member States continue to drive financial support to WHO/Europe 15-09-2020
A total of US$ 210 million (€177 million) in specified voluntary contributions was received by WHO/Europe for the first half of 2020, from 81 contributors. A large proportion of this amount (59%) was from Member States, followed by intergovernmental organizations – mainly the European Union (EU) (17%), United Nations organizations (6.5%), partnerships (6%), and non-state actors (including philanthropic foundations, private sector entities, academic institutions and nongovernmental organizations) (4%).
Ministers back 5-year plan to put health in Europe on track 14-09-2020
Today, ministers of health and public health leaders from the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region endorsed a new 5-year vision, the European Programme of Work (EPW) 2020–2025, that sets down how WHO/Europe and its Member States will work together to meet citizens’ expectations for health.
Announcing the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development: Rethinking Policy Priorities in the light of Pandemics 11-08-2020
The WHO Regional Office for Europe is convening a Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development to rethink policy priorities in the light of pandemics.
WHO, EU supply critical COVID-19 equipment to the Republic of Moldova 10-08-2020
One of the largest shipments of medical respirators, medical masks, goggles and gowns –worth €1.1 million – was recently delivered to the Republic of Moldova for its health-care workers.
WHO/Europe joins UNICEF and ILO to launch a new policy paper on social protection in Europe and central Asia 16-07-2020
WHO/Europe, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a new interagency policy paper seeking to strengthen social protection. This includes safeguarding health, well-being and livelihoods in response to, and during recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of containment measures.
New 5-year programme for health in Europe on the agenda at virtual annual meeting 03-07-2020
The 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC70), the annual meeting of the governing bodies of the European Region, will be held on 14–15 September 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held virtually with a reduced 2-day programme.
Non-State actors share views on WHO/Europe’s forthcoming European Programme of Work 30-06-2020
WHO/Europe held its first-ever virtual consultation with non-State actors (NSAs) as part of the open consultation process of the European Programme of Work (EPW) “United action for better health”.
Have your say on WHO/Europe’s proposed European Programme of Work 18-06-2020
WHO/Europe has launched an online consultation on its proposed European Programme of Work (EPW) entitled “United Action for Better Health”. The EPW sets out the future priorities for WHO’s Regional Office for Europe building on the mandate that the WHO’s Regional Director for Europe received from Member States after his election last year.
WHO/Europe works with European Commission to fight COVID-19 in countries across eastern Europe and the Caucasus 02-04-2020
WHO/Europe is working with countries in the European Region, to ensure they have the necessary medical supplies and that the health workforce is trained to respond to COVID-19.
Global solidarity across countries and continents needed to fight COVID-19 19-03-2020
WHO/Europe today convened an online briefing to exchange guidance, information and experiences from across the European, Western Pacific and African regions with ambassadors and diplomats based in Denmark, Copenhagen.
A future fit for children – WHO–UNICEF–Lancet commission launches new report 19-02-2020
A landmark report released by a commission convened by WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and The Lancet looks at all the factors influencing child and adolescent health. Through this lens, it details critical, emerging risks to child health, proposes novel solutions and calls for urgent action to achieve measurable results. The report, “A future for the world’s children?”, is the result of more than 2 years of work by 40 child health experts from around the world.
Non-State actors accredited in 2019; applications now open for 2020 10-12-2019
In 2016, WHO/Europe launched a new procedure to accredit regional non-State actors not in official relations with WHO to participate in the meetings of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. This new mechanism further enhances the ability of non-Sate actors to engage and strengthen the important work being undertaken in the Region.
Gaps in access undermine universal health coverage across the EU 29-11-2019
Gaps in the accessibility of health care and a lack of data are undermining universal health coverage across the European Union (EU), say the State of Health in the EU Country Health Profiles and Companion Report.
Rethinking health at the 74th United Nations General Assembly 08-10-2019
A recent side event at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, co-hosted by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and WHO, has demonstrated how health expenditure drives sustainable and inclusive growth rather than being a drain on the economy.
Day 4 highlights: Regional Director thanks “the strongest minds and warmest hearts in public health” 19-09-2019
On the fourth and final day of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69), Member States adopted a resolution on promoting health literacy that seeks to help people make informed health decisions. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab also expressed her deep thanks to delegates and staff for their commitment to public health during her 10-year mandate as WHO Regional Director for Europe.
WHO/Europe and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies renew commitment to jointly support countries to achieve health for all 19-09-2019
WHO/Europe and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reaffirmed and consolidated their co-operation with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 18 September 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Day 3 highlights: Resolution on accelerating primary health care adopted 19-09-2019
WHO’s strengthened collaboration with the European Commission, the invaluable work of WHO country offices, and a resolution on 10 evidence-based policy accelerators for strengthening primary health care were in focus on Day 3 of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Crown Princess of Denmark to address health ministers at the European Region’s annual meeting 06-09-2019
Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess of Denmark will address the 69th session of the annual WHO Regional Committee for Europe on 16 September 2019, in her capacity as WHO/Europe Patron.
Alongside European Development Days, WHO and the European Commission reinforce cooperation to help countries move towards universal health coverage 26-06-2019
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica signed the next phase of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) partnership programme for 2019–2022, worth € 123.75 million (US$ 135 million), on 18 June 2019.
Ljubljana Statement on Health Equity agreed – High-level Conference on Health Equity closes 14-06-2019
On the final day of the Conference, delegates from Member States, nongovernmental organizations and partners agreed to the Ljubljana Statement. It articulates what European Member States and partners will do to progress towards health equity, and how they will do it.
Joint statement: European Immunization Week 24-04-2019
Vaccines have transformed our societies. They have increased the chances for each newborn to reach adulthood, and for each fully vaccinated adult to maintain good health and well-being, thereby contributing enormously to productivity in every country.
WHO Europe/ECDC joint press release: Every hour 30 people are diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in the European Region. It’s time to make TB a disease of the past 19-03-2019
The latest WHO/ECDC report Tuberculosis surveillance and monitoring in Europe 2019 (2017 data) shows that despite an overall decline in numbers of people suffering from TB, the disease remains a major public health challenge in the Region. Of the 275 000 new diagnoses and relapses, an estimated 77 000 people are suffering from difficult-to-treat multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries fare better, with only 1 041 people reported to have MDR-TB. However, most countries in the Region, including many in the EU/EEA, struggle to treat patients successfully.
Romanian EU Presidency aims to strengthen Europe’s One Health approach to fighting antimicrobial resistance 06-03-2019
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely recognized as one of the 21st century’s greatest threats to health, welfare and food security. Worldwide, an estimated 700 000 people die each year from drug-resistant infections. In the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) alone, 33 000 lives are claimed each year, and these numbers are rising.
Romania holds Presidency of the Council of the European Union 30-01-2019
Romania is holding the first 6 months of the new Trio Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which started on 1 January 2019, to be followed by Finland (July–December 2019) and Croatia (January–June 2020).
Health is a human right 07-12-2018
The year 1948 marked the founding of WHO, and this was the same year that the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On 10 December, Human Rights Day, the global community recognizes the 70th anniversary of this pivotal Declaration, which underpins WHO’s work in many significant ways.
Non-State actors accredited in 2018 and applications now open for 2019 06-12-2018
In 2017, at its 67th session, the WHO Regional Committee for Europe endorsed a new procedure to accredit European non-State actors (NSAs) not in official relations with WHO to enable them to participate in future Regional Committee sessions.
Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States supports international measures to stop illicit tobacco trade 04-12-2018
The Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (IPA CIS) agreed at its 48th Plenary Session, to support the ratification of the WHO Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products by national parliaments. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed the Assembly on 29 November 2018.
WHO and EU commit to work together to accelerate progress on health 27-11-2018
On 19–21 November, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus participated in a series of meetings with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and other senior European Commission officials. Dr Tedros praised the fruitful cooperation between the Commission and WHO, particularly in the fields of antimicrobial resistance, strengthening health systems and preparedness for outbreaks of communicable diseases in developing countries.
From local to global: partners for health 20-11-2018
Recognizing that a collaborative approach with regional and local partners is crucial for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the level where people live and work, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the voice of regions and cities in the European Union (EU), and WHO/Europe are working together to foster local involvement in health topics.
World Polio Day celebrates history in the making 23-10-2018
Thanks to the widespread use of safe and effective vaccines, poliomyelitis (polio) is expected to become the second human disease ever to be eradicated (after smallpox). Only 20 cases of wild poliovirus have been detected so far this year in the 3 remaining endemic countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan). World Polio Day, on 24 October, celebrates this progress and the people who make it possible by getting their own children vaccinated and those working to reach every last child until no child’s future is threatened by the crippling impact of this disease.
Day 4 highlights: countries at the centre of health work 20-09-2018
“It is now clearer than ever that we need to be bolder and reach further, to engage effectively with all those that have a stake in health,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab on the final day of RC68. Many non-State actors were accredited to attend future sessions of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, and Member States applauded the work of country offices.
Day 3 highlights: Strategy on the health and well-being of men in the WHO European Region adopted 19-09-2018
Why do men die prematurely, and what can be done to change this? And how do we advance public health to meet future societal needs? The Region now has stronger tools to answer these questions, following today’s adoption of the Strategy on the health and well-being of men and a 10-point action plan on public health.
Day 2 highlights: strengthening health systems to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 18-09-2018
“For us, the goal of universal health coverage is the lodestar of our health policy,” said His Excellency Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania. From improving vaccine coverage to ensuring financial protection, strengthening health systems was a key theme on Day 2 of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Day 1 highlights: RC68 opens 17-09-2018
“Health investment is the smartest investment – it pays off,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab in her opening address on the first day of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. This was a common theme also raised by the WHO Director-General and delegates alike.
European Commission and WHO strengthen collaboration on public health 19-07-2018
Senior officials from WHO and the European and Commission (EC) met in Geneva, Switzerland, on 29 June 2018 for a meeting focused on strengthening the organizations' collaboration on public health, reviewing ongoing joint initiatives and discussing shared future priorities.
Austria begins Presidency of the Council of the European Union 04-07-2018
On 1 July 2018, Austria took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the third time after 1998 and 2006. The motto of the Austrian Presidency is “A Europe that protects”.
Is European Region ready to respond to next influenza pandemic? 21-06-2018
“Getting ready for the next influenza pandemic is our collective responsibility. Let’s ask ourselves 3 basic questions: are we prepared for a severe pandemic? Are our pandemic plans revised? Are Europe and the world ready to respond tomorrow?”
European Development Days – leaders put gender equality at the heart of the development agenda 21-06-2018
World leaders gathered in Brussels, Belgium, for the 12th annual European Development Days conference on 5–6 June 2018. They emphasized the importance of empowering girls and women in all areas of life to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Regional Director on 2-day visit to CDC 07-05-2018
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States of America on 24–25 April 2018. At CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, she met Dr Robert Redfield, who became Director of CDC in March. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss mutual areas of interest, including immunization, antimicrobial resistance, influenza, noncommunicable diseases, and each organization’s work in countries of central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Dr Jakab also toured the Emergency Operations Center.
Day 3 of high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs: opportunities and challenges for accelerated response 19-04-2018
The final day of the regional meeting in Sitges, Spain, opened with an interactive panel session on the opportunities and challenges of an accelerated health systems response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and of leapfrogging.
Day 2 of high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs: Learning from good examples and real-time problem solving in policy labs 18-04-2018
Day 2 of the high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs kicked off with participants diving directly into policy workshops covering 4 key topics: financing and incentive alignment, health workforce, governance and financing of intersectoral action, and medicines.
Day 1 of high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs: focus on equity and people centredness 17-04-2018
With its clear ambition to articulate the key elements of an aligned and comprehensive health systems response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the WHO high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs in Sitges, Spain, is paving the way to the United Nations High-level Meeting on NCDs in New York, United States of America, in September 2018.
Multidisciplinary primary care teams in Spain provide person-centred care 11-04-2018
Spain has prioritized the creation of multidisciplinary care since the adoption of the Primary Health Care Reform Act in 1985, inspired by the Alma-Ata Declaration. Today, primary health care services are provided by community-based, multiprofile teams, each serving about 20 000 people.
On World Health Day, recommit to health for all 05-04-2018
Four personal stories from the WHO European Region illustrate how countries are making progress in different ways towards universal health coverage. On World Health Day, WHO calls on leaders in the Region to recommit to health for all through concerted action for universal health coverage.
Time for revamped commitment by all to end TB 23-03-2018
Despite significant progress made, tuberculosis (TB) remains the top infectious killer worldwide. In the WHO European Region, the number of new TB patients has decreased at an average rate of 4.3% yearly over the last decade. But revamped political commitment for immediate and bold actions will still be needed to end TB by 2030.
Improving quality of care and prevention of drug-resistant TB in eastern Europe and central Asia 20-03-2018
WHO/Europe met with key partners and stakeholders in the WHO European Region to discuss the objectives of a project proposal for improving quality of care and prevention of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in eastern Europe and central Asia. The consultation was the first step towards the development of a proposal following a call from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Safe drinking-water in Europe? 20-03-2018
Millions of people in the WHO European Region drink contaminated water, often without knowing it. WHO estimates that, every day, 14 people die of diarrhoeal disease due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
WHO Europe/ECDC joint press release: 4% annual decrease too slow to end TB by 2030 – call for Europe’s commitment to increase investment to end TB 19-03-2018
A new report published today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe indicates that the number of new tuberculosis (TB) patients has been decreasing at an average rate of 4.3% yearly in the last decade in the WHO European Region. Despite being the fastest decline in the world, this trend is insufficient to achieve the target of ending the TB epidemic by 2030, as envisioned in the End TB Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. The new report is released ahead of World Tuberculosis Day, which this year calls on global leaders to accelerate efforts to end TB once and for all.
Republic of Moldova and WHO/Europe sign new biennial collaborative agreement 01-03-2018
Continuing many years constructive collaboration, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe and Dr Svetlana Cebotari, Minister of Health, Labour and Social Protection signed the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) between WHO/Europe and the Republic of Moldova for 2018–2019 on 20 February 2018. The signing ceremony took place in Podgorica, Montenegro on the margin of the South-eastern Europe Health Ministerial Meeting on Immunization.
WHO Europe/ECDC joint statement: Low uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in Europe may jeopardise capacity to protect people in next pandemic 07-02-2018
Influenza vaccination coverage among high-risk groups has dropped in the European Region over the last seven years, and half the countries report a decrease in the number of vaccine doses available. These are the results of the first comprehensive overview of seasonal influenza vaccine coverage in the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) between 2008/09 and 2014/15, conducted by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Low uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in Europe jeopardizes the capacity to protect people during annual epidemics and the next pandemic, the two organizations warn.
Health professionals gather for final aid effectiveness and donor coordination meeting 17-01-2018
The last in a series of 3 meetings on aid effectiveness and donor coordination in the health sector took place in Brussels, Belgium, on 14–15 December 2017. The meeting brought together health professionals from both banks of the Dniester River, providing a common platform for learning about European Union (EU) processes and mechanisms, and how to prepare a project proposal in the health sector.
New procedure to accredit regional non-State actors not in official relations with WHO to the WHO Regional Committee for Europe 08-11-2017
The 67th WHO Regional Committee for Europe, which took place on 11–14 September 2017 in Budapest, Hungary, endorsed a procedure to accredit regional non-State actors not in official relations with WHO to participate in meetings of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (Document EUR/RC67/17 Rev.1 and Resolution EUR/RC67/R7 on “Partnerships for health in the WHO European Region”), in line with paragraph 57 of the WHO Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (Resolution WHA69.10).
Enhanced European Health Information Gateway launched 30-10-2017
The European Health Information Gateway has been revamped to include new functionalities and enhanced presentation of diverse health information.
Day 4 highlights: partnerships essential in our “multisectoral, multidimensional world” 14-09-2017
Member States enthusiastically endorsed a renewed vision for partnerships for health in the WHO European Region on the final day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Day 3 highlights: “The health workforce is the beating heart of any health system” 13-09-2017
On the third day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, countries agreed to transform the health workforce in the WHO European Region to ensure that it is sustainable and able to respond to current and future health needs.
Day 2 highlights: Director-General outlines key health priorities 12-09-2017
In a plenary address, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus laid out his mission for WHO: “To keep the world safe, improve health and serve the vulnerable”. Engaging political leadership for health was a defining theme on the second day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. Delegates also adopted the Roadmap to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Day 1 highlights: RC67 opens 11-09-2017
Strong partnerships and collaboration to deliver on ambitious health goals – this was the recurring theme emphasized by high-level speakers and delegates on the first day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC67).
European Union presidency discussions consider policy options for alcohol labelling 21-07-2017
One of the priorities of the 2017 Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is the reduction of alcohol-related harm in Europe. In particular, Estonia will address cross-border alcohol policy issues, including advertising and labelling of alcoholic beverages.
Together for a healthier world: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at European Development Days 07-07-2017
During European Development Days (EDD) on 7–8 June 2017 in Brussels, Belgium, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, then WHO Director-General elect, addressed the international development community. He reminded them that health is a fundamental human right and central to development, both globally and within the European Union (EU).
New WHO Collaborating Centre for Physical Activity and Health 19-06-2017
WHO recently designated the University of Zurich (Switzerland) as the new WHO Collaborating Centre for Physical Activity and Health. The Physical Activity and Health Unit and other groups of the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI) will support the implementation of the Physical activity strategy for the WHO European Region 2016–2025.
European countries promote #SlowDown campaign for UN Global Road Safety Week 19-06-2017
The Save Lives: #SlowDown campaign was launched during the Fourth UN Global Road Safety Week, 8–14 May 2017, to raise awareness, generate action on measures to address speed and improve safety for road users.
WHO and health partners provide vital care to displaced people in northern Syria 13-06-2017
Responding to evacuations and a growing number of displaced people in northern Syria, WHO and its health partners are providing life-saving medical care to thousands of families.
Minister of Health of Montenegro visits WHO/Europe 08-06-2017
Dr Kenan Hrapović, Minister of Health of Montenegro, visited WHO/Europe on 6 June 2017 to discuss health priorities and collaboration with the Regional Office. In discussions with Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, the Minister outlined developments in the country, including the establishment of a national influenza centre and an accredited laboratory for measles and rubella surveillance; plans to extend the work of the pulmonary hospital to include diagnostic services for tuberculosis and cancer; and plans to set up a national reference library on antimicrobial resistance.
World Health Assembly Day 7: global action plan on response to dementia agreed 30-05-2017
On 29 May 2017, delegates agreed on a global action plan to ensure that work to address dementia is prioritized. In 2015, dementia affected 47 million people worldwide. This is set to increase to 75 million in 2030. The action plan requires Member States to develop, strengthen and implement policies for dementia; respect the equity, dignity and human rights of people with the disease; and support the needs of carers.
Agreement signed for new WHO Office for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies Preparedness 09-05-2017
A host agreement to establish a new WHO Office for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies Preparedness in Istanbul, Turkey, was co-signed by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe and Professor Recep Akdağ, Minister of Health of Turkey, on 2 May 2017 in Ankara.
Demand for the WHO Barcelona course on health financing continues to increase 02-05-2017
Now in its seventh year, the annual WHO Barcelona Course on Health Financing for Universal Health Coverage, held in March 2017, was more heavily oversubscribed than ever before. With three applicants for every place, the course is an important fixture for health policy-makers in Europe. This year the 66 participants from 25 countries included senior officials from health and finance ministries, health insurance funds, major international institutions, universities and nongovernmental organizations.
Vaccination – we must not take the benefits for granted 24-04-2017
Joint statement on the occasion of European Immunization Week from European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis and WHO Regional Director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab
Neglected tropical diseases: Collaborate Accelerate Eliminate 19-04-2017
In the WHO European Region, much progress has been made in controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): leprosy has been eliminated as a public health problem, and the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in high-burden countries has dropped from 70% to 30%. However, work continues on the surveillance and control of invasive vectors and re-emerging mosquito-borne diseases, control of leishmaniasis and control and prevention of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. WHO is hosting a Global Partners Meeting on NTDs on 19 April 2017.
Joint statement by Vytenis Andriukaitis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety and Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on World Health Day 2017 07-04-2017
7 April 2017 - Depression is common - one in 20 people in the European region currently live with depression, and one in four of us will suffer a depressive episode at some point in our lives. Unsurprisingly, the risk of depression and related conditions such as anxiety disorder are greatly increased through exposure to violence, conflict or forced migration. There is no shame in depression. We must not sweep it under the carpet or allow stigma to prevent people seeking help. We must talk about it!
Examples of investing in health from the South-eastern Europe Health Network 03-04-2017
The 9 countries of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) share a vision of promoting health as an integral part of economic development. In addition to participating in intercountry initiatives, each country is investing in health and generating results that inform other network members. On 3–4 April 2017, the 4th South-eastern Europe Health Ministerial Forum takes place in the Republic of Moldova.
Global health diplomacy course for small countries held in Cyprus 15-03-2017
Dr George Pamboridis, Minister of Health, Republic of Cyprus, opened the global health diplomacy course for small countries on 13 March 2017, held in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Danish parliamentarians go to work with a hearing impairment on World Hearing Day 2017 07-03-2017
On World Hearing Day, 3 March 2017, Dr Jill Farrington, Coordinator, Noncommunicable Conditions at WHO/Europe, addressed members of the Danish Parliament regarding the need for public health action to make listening safe and reduce hearing impairment.
Regional Director outlines links between WHO/Europe’s work to address NCDs and JA-CHRODIS 07-03-2017
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed over 200 participants at the final conference of the European Union (EU) Joint Action on Chronic Diseases and Promoting Healthy Ageing across the Life-Cycle (JA-CHRODIS) on 28 February 2017.
Health and well-being depend on action at city level 01-03-2017
The city of Pécs is hosting the 2017 WHO European Healthy Cities Network Annual Business and Technical Conference, which opens today. This year’s theme is “Building Healthy Cities: inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
Latest publications from OECD – managing access, value and sustainability of new health technologies 10-02-2017
In January 2017, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a report discussing the need for an integrated and cyclical approach to managing health technology in order to mitigate clinical and financial risks, and to ensure acceptable value for money.
Member States invited to propose candidates for the WHO Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee 10-02-2017
Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, invites Member States to propose names of potential candidates for membership on the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee (IEOAC). A new selection process is being initiated for a partial renewal of the membership of the IEOAC, as the terms of 3 of its members will expire in January 2018. Following an external review of the candidatures, the Director-General will propose candidates and related details to the 141st session of the WHO Executive Board.
WHO and IARC support capacity-building for Belarusian specialists in cancer screening 15-12-2016
The WHO Regional Office for Europe, in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Ministry of Health of Belarus, organized a workshop for national specialists on principles, organization, evaluation, planning and management of cancer screening programmes at the N.N. Alexandrov National Cancer Centre of Belarus in Minsk, Belarus, on 30 November – 2 December 2016.
Day 1: Working together for better health and well-being 08-12-2016
Engaging children and young people as co-creators of health, together with the social, education and health sectors was a common theme on the first day of the High-level Conference Promoting intersectoral and interagency action for health and well-being, held in Paris, and hosted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France.
WHO and European Committee of the Regions join forces to improve European dialogue on health policy 22-11-2016
The European Committee of the Regions and WHO/Europe signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), pledging to combine their efforts in several key areas of public health. The agreement was signed by Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Karl-Heinz Lambertz, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and President of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community in Belgium, on 21 November 2016.
Belarus started country-wide STEPS survey on major noncommunicable diseases 18-11-2016
On 3-7 October 2016 the Belarusian Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Medical Technologies, Informatization, Administration and Management of Health (RSPC MT), in collaboration with WHO, organized a training course for STEPS interviewers and regional coordinators in Minsk, Belarus. STEPS (STEPwise approach to surveillance) survey is a WHO recommended representative study on risk factors of major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
EFNNMA Steering Committee meeting: progress and next steps 23-09-2016
On 25–26 September 2016, WHO/Europe met with the Steering Committee of the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA) in St Petersburg, Russian Federation. They discussed the progress of implementing the joint work plan aligned with the memorandum of understanding, and planned the 20th annual EFNNMA meeting.
Day 4 highlights: countries commit to strengthening the use of evidence and research in policy-making 15-09-2016
On the final day of the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, Member States adopted a European action plan to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research for policy-making. They also approved an action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, which complements global plans and builds on the previous regional strategy.
Day 3 highlights: agreement on women’s health strategy and action plans for HIV and viral hepatitis 14-09-2016
Dr Margaret Chan welcomed the WHO Regional Committee for Europe’s adoption of a European strategy for women’s health as well as action plans for both HIV and viral hepatitis in her plenary address, affirming the WHO European Region’s position at the forefront of global health developments.
Day 2 highlights: RC66 adopts European strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health 13-09-2016
On the second day of the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66), Member States and partners warmly received the development of a regional roadmap to guide the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and a strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health in the WHO European Region.
Day 1 highlights: RC66 opens – health central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 12-09-2016
Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess of Denmark and the WHO Regional Director for Europe opened the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66), welcoming over 400 delegates to Copenhagen, Denmark. The overarching theme was the central role of health in “leaving no one behind” as countries embark on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
WHO/Europe Regional Committee App now available 01-09-2016
The event guide app for the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66) gives quick access to all the practical information that delegates and other participants need. With the app you can find details of upcoming sessions, access all documents (in English, French, German and Russian), find your way at the venue and in Copenhagen, check the weather forecast, social events and transport schedules, and receive notifications about important changes to the programme. You can also share photos, join the conversation on Twitter and interact with other participants.
Universal health coverage in action at European Development Days 06-07-2016
During European Development Days (EDD) on 15–16 June 2016 in Brussels, Belgium, WHO organized a session in partnership with the European Commission and Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The session, entitled 'Strengthening good governance and aid effectiveness to achieve universal health coverage' (UHC), provided insights on the implementation of the EU–Luxembourg–WHO UHC Partnership.
Fight against TB in focus during Regional Director’s visit to Slovakia 28-06-2016
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, visited Bratislava, Slovakia on 21–23 June 2016 at the invitation of Dr Tomáš Drucker, Minister of Health of Slovakia.
National eHealth Strategy for Ukraine 10-06-2016
Ukraine has taken its first steps towards developing national eHealth strategy. With the support of WHO/Europe, the World Bank and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a workshop was held in Hlibovka in April 2016 to lay the foundations for developing the eHealth strategy.
WHO validates elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in Armenia, Belarus and the Republic of Moldova 08-06-2016
United Nations agencies congratulate Belarus for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and syphilis and Armenia and the Republic of Moldova for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, respectively. During a ceremony in New York City, elimination validation certificates were presented to the ministers of health of the three European countries, who were attending the United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on ending AIDS.
Closing of the World Health Assembly: WHO Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors adopted 01-06-2016
The World Health Assembly has adopted the WHO Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), after more than 2 years of intergovernmental negotiations.
Day 2 of the World Health Assembly: Highlights for the European Region 26-05-2016
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, addressed the World Health Assembly on 24 May 2016. She stressed the links between climate change and health, including those related to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Her address was followed by a technical briefing that underscored the need for multisectoral action for achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and agreement on a new resolution on meeting those goals.
WHO strategy highlights challenges and way forward for women’s health 18-05-2016
Although women in the WHO European Region generally have longer life expectancy than men, they also spend more years in ill health. The quality of life and well-being they experience is often unsatisfactory and there are also health inequities within and between countries in the Region. To unlock enormous gains, reduce inequalities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), women and girls must be able to fully realize their right to health with a focus on gender-specific needs.
European Parliament discusses universal health coverage for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants 27-04-2016
As Europe is currently experiencing an unprecedented influx of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, the Greens/European Free Alliance (EFA) political group in the European Parliament invited WHO/Europe in April 2016 to discuss the concept of universal health coverage and access to care in this particular context.
Health information at your fingertips 15-04-2016
The brand new WHO European Health Information Gateway is now available to the public, providing curated, reliable health data and information presented in formats that are easy to understand and compare and that are easy to extract.
Joint ECDC/WHO meeting on European HIV/AIDS surveillance 24-03-2016
On 10–11 March 2016 in Bratislava, Slovakia, WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) jointly convened a meeting on European HIV/AIDS surveillance with representatives of 42 WHO European Member States.
TB elimination at stake unless Europe cares urgently for vulnerable, poor and marginalized populations and migrants 17-03-2016
New data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe ahead of World TB Day show that an estimated 340 000 Europeans had tuberculosis (TB) in 2014, corresponding to a rate of 37 cases per 100 000 population.
Antibiotic awareness drives digital conversation in European countries 16-03-2016
The use of social and other digital media – Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, text messages, video and websites – for health messaging is growing rapidly in the WHO European Region. All 19 of the non-EU countries that participated in the first World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) in 2015 used digital media to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance. This marks a tremendous change from a couple of years earlier, when only around 10% of these countries used digital media to promote campaigns.
E-health in practice 10-03-2016
From medical monitoring for nomadic reindeer herders, to education and training with multilingual, virtual, simulated patients, technology is increasingly being used to deliver and advance health services in the WHO European Region. A new report provides an overview of the developments and benefits of using e-health and includes 29 case examples from across the Region.
Improving the use of antibiotics 07-03-2016
This new volume takes a look at how developing diagnostic tools can help improve the prescription of antibiotics, and so help manage the expansion of bacterial resistance.
Bulgaria hosts conference on planning and educating a health workforce without borders 04-03-2016
On 18–19 February 2016, the Medical University of Varna (Bulgaria) hosted the 3rd and last Conference of the Joint Action Health Workforce Planning and Forecasting within the Health Programme of the European Commission. The Conference theme was planning and educating a health workforce without borders.
Memorandum of understanding between WHO/Europe and EFNNMA 03-03-2016
WHO/Europe and the European Forum for National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA) have signed a four-year memorandum of understanding. It was signed by the Regional Director, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, and the Chair of the EFNNMA Steering Committee, Ms Valentina Sarkisova.
Health is central to climate change action 11-12-2015
"Climate change has a serious adverse impact on human health, economic prosperity, political stability and societal productivity, and Europe is not spared," said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in her opening address at the 'Health Central to Climate Change Action' event in Paris on 9 December 2015. Dr Jakab continued by explaining how an agreement on climate change could potentially save many lives worldwide, through for example, investment in low-carbon development and clean renewable energy and strengthening climate resilience.
“Europe is Europe because of migration”: highlights from day 2 of the high-level conference on refugee and migrant health 24-11-2015
Recapping discussions from the first day, Dr Santino Severoni noted that delegates recognized that the current massive refugee, asylum seeker and other migrant influx in Europe is an urgent public health concern for all Member States in the Region.
WHO, UNICEF and UNHCR call for equitable access to vaccines for refugees and migrants 23-11-2015
In this joint guidance, WHO, the United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) underline that refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants should have non-discriminatory and equitable access to health care services, including vaccines, irrespective of their legal status. The United Nations agencies do not recommend vaccination at border crossings unless there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease in the host or transit country. Instead they recommend that refugees and migrants should be vaccinated without unnecessary delay according to the national immunization schedules of the country where they are envisioned to reside for more than a week.
New WHO report shows comparable antibiotic resistance in EU and non-EU countries in the European Region 12-11-2015
Antibiotic resistance is a global threat. Data from more countries improve understanding of antibiotic resistance across the WHO European Region and can guide countries in building or strengthening their national surveillance. The first World Antibiotic Awareness Week takes place on 16–22 November 2015.
European Public Health Alliance to support Health 2020 implementation 29-10-2015
A delegation from the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) met with senior staff from WHO/Europe on 27 October 2015, to lay the foundation for future cooperation and collaboration.
Good prison health involves empowering prisoners 26-10-2015
"It's given me hope for the future – something I've never had. I can be a good father, parent and member of the community and get a good job. I don't see myself as Eddy the inmate, but as Eddy the Irish Red Cross volunteer". An Irish Red Cross programme in the Irish prison system over a 6-year period, involving 14 prisons and over 700 volunteers, has shown that empowering prisoners to take charge of their own health can yield impressive results.
UNICEF and WHO ready to support immediate polio vaccination campaign in Ukraine 09-10-2015
United Nations agencies are concerned further delay puts 1.8 million children's lives at risk. Six weeks after the outbreak of poliomyelitis in Ukraine, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and WHO have stepped up calls for an immediate first round of nationwide polio vaccination.
Medical professionals trained in refugee and migrant health in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 05-10-2015
WHO/Europe, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, trained over 150 medical professionals and Red Cross volunteers in preparing and responding to the health needs of refugees and migrants at three 1-day workshops in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Between 3000 and 7000 people currently enter the country daily.
Ukrainian doctors trained in communicating about polio and vaccines 29-09-2015
It is a nerve-wracking set up: In a hotel conference room in Kyiv, Ukraine, a doctor sits in front of a TV camera being grilled with questions and accusations about polio and the vaccine to fight it. To make matters worse, he is surrounded by an audience of his peers, who listen keenly to every word.
Lithuania promotes physical activity and heart health in a collaborative community bicycle event 29-09-2015
On World Heart Day, 29 September 2015, WHO recommends increased physical activity and exercise to live longer in good health and to reduce mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart conditions, obesity and diabetes.
WHO/Europe and ECDC: 10 years of collaboration on communicable diseases 24-09-2015
Speaking at an event to mark the 10th anniversary of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on 22 September 2015, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe and the founding director of the ECDC (2005–2010), reflected on how the world has changed since 2005.
Day 4 highlights: RC65 adopts new tuberculosis action plan and closes 17-09-2015
Highlights of the final day of the 65th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC65) included adoption of the action plan, agreement on closer cooperation between WHO/Europe and the European Commission and a description of countries' experience in addressing the migration crisis in Europe.
Day 2 highlights: focus continues on intersectoral action 15-09-2015
Panel discussions on the second day of the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65) focused on the need to work across sectors to address the health challenges of today's interconnected world. The WHO Director-General called on Member States to pay particular attention to how corporate interests influence health policy-making, asking, "Who really governs the policies that shape our health?"
Day 1 highlights: RC65 opens with emphasis on intersectoral action 14-09-2015
HRH The Crown Princess of Denmark and the WHO Regional Director for Europe opened the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65), recognizing intersectoral action as its overarching theme. The President of the Republic of Lithuania welcomed over 300 delegates to Vilnius.
Health a priority for European Development Days 17-06-2015
"The Ebola outbreak has been a wake-up call for the international community. WHO is taking steps to make sure that the world will never again be taken by surprise", said WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan in her opening remarks at this year's European Development Days forum on 4 June 2015.
Mobile health care for Ukraine 10-06-2015
WHO has trained medical staff in Ukraine to deliver high-quality health services for internally displaced people and communities in conflict areas. Now, 16 mobile emergency primary health care units are operating in eastern Ukraine, giving over 1600 consultations a week to people affected by the crisis.
UNFPA regional conference on promoting health and rights, reducing inequalities 02-06-2015
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Government of Bulgaria, hosted the conference from 27–29 May 2015 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
OECD releases report on harmful alcohol use 01-06-2015
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a report entitled "Tackling Harmful Alcohol Use: Economics and Public Health Policy". Among the topics covered in this report are: trends in alcohol consumption, patterns of drinking, health consequences, alcohol policy responses and social disparities in drinking.
World Health Day 2015: countries across Europe promote food safety 20-05-2015
World Health Day 2015 was an opportunity to recognize the important food safety role of all involved in food production, and to strengthen collaboration and coordination between these different areas to prevent, detect and respond to foodborne diseases.
Pictorial health warnings on tobacco products 19-05-2015
WHO/Europe’s new evidence brief reviews the effects on knowledge and behaviour of large pictorial warnings on the packaging of tobacco products. Contrary to tobacco companies’ claims, such warnings are quick and cheap to apply, and do not increase illicit trade, an issue in focus on World No Tobacco Day 2015.
EU committee releases report on alcohol harm 01-05-2015
On 6 March 2015, the House of Lords European Union (EU) Committee published a report entitled "A new EU Alcohol Strategy?".
Workshop on alcohol screening and brief interventions in primary care settings 01-05-2015
A workshop to strengthen capacity at the primary health care level to implement a screening programme for early detection of harmful alcohol was held in Podgorica, Montenegro, in March 2015.
From the migration front line: interview with Lampedusa doctor 27-04-2015
"You have to believe me, we are making miracles here," said Dr Pietro Bartolo, head of health services on Lampedusa, about the work of health care staff and coastguard personnel on the small Italian island, in a recent interview with WHO/Europe.
First meeting of the European Health Information Initiative: working together to improve information for better health 20-04-2015
Representatives from seven Member States (Austria, Finland, Latvia, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation, Sweden and Turkey) joined colleagues from WHO collaborating centres, the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and The Wellcome Trust at WHO/Europe on 24–25 March 2015.
Riga Declaration paves the way to ending TB in the European Region 07-04-2015
In her keynote speech at the 1st Eastern Partnership Ministerial Conference on Tuberculosis and Its Multi-Drug Resistance, held on 30–31 March in Riga, Latvia, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, declared: "Europe is in a position to lead prevention, care and the innovation of new tools in the fight against TB, and to pave the way for TB elimination. It is only through regional collaboration and cooperation that we can achieve this goal, so that our children will live in a world free of TB."
Kyrgyzstan initiates mass vaccination campaign as measles cases continue to soar 16-03-2015
In response to a large-scale measles outbreak, Kyrgyzstan will initiate a mass measles vaccination campaign on 16 March 2015, targeting over 2 million people aged 1–20 years in the country. The outbreak, which began in early 2014, has caused over 11 300 suspected cases to date and continues to increase by 120–250 suspected cases every day.
12th Senior Officials’ Meeting between WHO and European Commission 12-03-2015
The 12th Senior Officials Meeting was hosted by the European Commission on 20 February 2015 and co-chaired by Dr Ladislav Miko, Acting Director General of DG Health and Food Safety, and Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. It focused on six main issues: Ebola, health security, anti-microbial resistance, in-country cooperation, access to medicines globally, and cooperation in the European region.
Tajikistan introduces rotavirus vaccine to protect children from diarrhoeal disease 14-01-2015
With an official launch ceremony on 8 January 2015, Tajikistan became the fourteenth country in the WHO European Region to introduce rotavirus vaccination into its national immunization schedule, and the fourth to do so through the generous support of the GAVI Alliance.
US$29 million needed for health sector response to Syrian refugees in Turkey 12-01-2015
The United Nations projects that the number of Syrian refugees living in Turkey will rise in 2015 to 2.5 million, 300 000 of whom will live in camps. The health response by partners supporting the Turkish Government in providing protection and support to refugees requires approximately US$29 million this year. WHO is requesting US$3.8 million of this amount.
Mobile clinics in Ukraine to bring health services to people in need 15-12-2014
WHO, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society have signed an agreement to establish mobile, community-based health services. From January 2015 the new network of mobile emergency primary health care units will support the fragile health care system in delivering health services for internally displaced people (IDPs), receiving communities and communities in conflict areas. According to estimates by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of IDPs in Ukraine exceeded 500 000 at the end of November.
Ministers reaffirm commitment to the South-eastern Europe Health Network 24-11-2014
Ten health ministers met in Skopje, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 18 November 2014, to underline their commitment to subregional collaboration and discuss health reform in line with Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, and the South East Europe (SEE) 2020 Strategy: Jobs and Prosperity in a European Perspective.
34th plenary meeting of the South-eastern Europe Health Network held in Skopje 24-11-2014
The Macedonian Presidency of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) organized and hosted the network’s 34th Plenary Meeting in Skopje, Macedonia, on 19-20 November 2014.
“Health is a political choice” - 17th European Health Forum Gastein 03-11-2014
The European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) held its 17th annual conference on 1–3 October in Gastein, Austria, with strong participation from WHO/Europe.
Country cooperation strategy (CCS) signed with Cyprus 17-09-2014
The Ministry of Health of Cyprus and WHO signed a memorandum of understanding on the CCS, which provides a medium-term strategic framework for their joint work in 2015–2020. The CCS creates a platform for mutually beneficial collaboration that addresses the country’s health needs, interests and capacities, and WHO’s global health leadership priorities, regional orientations and core functions.
Country cooperation strategy signed with Portugal 17-09-2014
The Ministry of Health of Portugal and WHO have signed a country cooperation strategy (CCS), setting the vision for creating synergy and alignment between WHO leadership priorities and Portuguese national health policies, strategies and plans for 2015–2020. The CCS is aligned with both Portugal’s national health plan and the WHO European policy framework Health 2020.
Highlights of RC64 day 2 – Ebola emergency and nomination of Regional Director 16-09-2014
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan described the harm done in West Africa by the Ebola outbreak, and the global lessons to be learned from the emergency. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, was nominated for a second five-year term.
European ambassadors briefed on this year’s Regional Committee agenda 09-09-2014
On 8 September, WHO Regional Director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab briefed ambassadors, counsellors and senior representatives from 30 embassies in Copenhagen, Denmark on health issues to be discussed next week at the annual meeting of the governing body for the WHO European Region, the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
WHO appeals for US$ 14 million to scale up health operations in Ukraine 19-08-2014
WHO is expanding its health response in Ukraine to support the health needs of those affected in conflict areas and internally displaced by the ongoing fighting in the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk) of eastern Ukraine. On World Humanitarian Day, WHO calls on the international community to pledge US$ 14 million to safeguard the health of an increasingly vulnerable population.
Final versions of documents for RC64 now available 14-08-2014
Final versions of documents for the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe are now available for download.
Tackling air pollution, climate change and chemicals: European environmental priorities to protect health 09-07-2014
Air pollution, climate change and chemicals pose key environmental risks to people’s health that require political action in the European Region, according to members of the European Environment and Health Ministerial Board (EHMB). EHMB held its fifth meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania on 1 July 2014.
Latest edition of Roma health newsletter out now 17-06-2014
New resources and reports relating to Roma health, including online Roma survey data from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the joint position paper on the UN’s role in advancing Roma inclusion, and reports on medical education to promote non-discrimination, inequalities for Roma women, and Roma households in Slovakia, are included in the latest edition of the Roma health newsletter.
Realizing our vision: Regional Director’s report 04-06-2014
The adoption of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, is one of many recent achievements enabling WHO/Europe and the 53 countries it serves to respond to the changing health environment. This report documents WHO’s work in 2012–2013 to secure better health in Europe.
World Health Assembly closes: resolution on antimicrobial resistance approved 27-05-2014
The Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly closed on Saturday 24 May 2014, after adopting more than 20 resolutions on public health issues of global importance.
World Health Assembly, day 4: proposals on coordination of noncommunicable disease response 26-05-2014
The World Health Assembly approved proposals to improve global coordination of efforts to address noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cancers, heart disease and stroke. It also approved a resolution to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.
World Health Assembly, day 3: monitoring framework for maternal and child nutrition approved 23-05-2014
At the World Health Assembly on Wednesday, Member States approved a global monitoring framework on maternal, infant and young child nutrition. The WHO Secretariat was asked to develop recommendations for Member States on how to address the inappropriate marketing of complementary foods – foods for infants and young children who are still breastfed. The Secretariat was also asked to facilitate further development of the indicators described in this framework, and to convene informal consultations with Member States on tools to manage undue industry influence.
First European collaborating centre on physical activity and public health designated in Germany 02-05-2014
The Institute of Sport Science and Sport at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany, has been officially designated the WHO Collaborating Centre on Physical Activity and Public Health. It is the first collaborating centre in the WHO European Region to deal specifically with this issue.
Migration and health on agenda at informal council of European Union health ministers 01-05-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, joined health ministers and high-level officials from European Union (EU) countries to discuss migration and health, in addition to the economic crisis and health care, at an informal council held in Athens, Greece on 28–29 April, as part of the Greek EU Presidency.
Regional Director encourages investment in prevention 15-04-2014
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed a wide range of stakeholders in public health during a visit to Rome, Italy on 8–9 April 2014.
Third European Roma Summit calls for integration at local level 11-04-2014
Around 500 representatives of European Union (EU) institutions, national governments and parliaments, international organizations, civil society (including Roma organizations), local and regional authorities and mayors gathered in Brussels on 4 April 2014.
New resources support laboratory quality management 28-03-2014
To help laboratories implement systems to manage quality control, WHO recently launched a suite of resources in several languages.
Joint position paper on United Nations support for Roma inclusion 26-02-2014
“The role of the United Nations in advancing Roma inclusion” identifies a number of crucial areas where United Nations (UN) agencies can add significant value to work to achieve Roma inclusion and development.
WHO and European Commission monitor progress 24-02-2014
On 20 February, representatives of the European Commission (EC) Directorate-General for Health and Consumers – Dr Andrzej Rys, Director, Health Systems and Products; Mr Sylvain Giraud and Dr Canice Nolan of the Strategy and International Unit – visited WHO/Europe to discuss future collaboration within the context of the joint declaration signed by WHO/Europe and the EC in 2010. The agenda for the discussion also included preparations for the next meeting of senior officials of the EC and WHO.
EU Presidency Conference on mental health and capacity building workshop 23-12-2013
The Ministry of Health of Lithuania held a conference on mental health and suicide prevention on 10-11 October 2013, attended by about 150 stakeholders from around Europe. The conference was organized as part of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
New European Union legislation improves health security in Europe 06-11-2013
Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on serious cross-border threats to health and repealing Decision No 2119/98/EC entered into force on 6 November 2013.
Significant progress in implementing activities for Roma health 12-07-2013
On 25–26 June 2013, with WHO/Europe, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organized the second meeting of the Roma civil-society group on the right to health.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark, UN Secretary-General visit WHO emergency operations centre 05-07-2013
Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the WHO emergency operations centre in Copenhagen yesterday. They were accompanied by other dignitaries who participated in the official opening of UN City.
10th senior officials’ meeting between WHO and the European Commission 18-06-2013
Opening the meeting, Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, stressed the importance of collaboration with the European Commission (EC), one of WHO’s main partners. She also explained recent developments in the WHO reform process agreed at the World Health Assembly and the main direction of the new General Programme of Work. Mariangela Zappia, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, expressed her appreciation for the joint work of WHO and the EC, and reiterated the commitment to support the reform process and extend and consolidate the current partnership between the two institutions.
Launch event for “HIV in the European Region: vulnerability and response” 31-05-2013
The World Bank Group, WHO/Europe and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine will release findings and recommendations from a new assessment of HIV epidemics and vulnerability in Europe at a launch event on 7 June 2013 in London, United Kingdom.
World Health Assembly, day 3: progress on health-related Millennium Development Goals and Global Fund’s new funding model 24-05-2013
At a technical briefing on 22 May 2013, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, applauded the contribution made by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to turning back the epidemic of these diseases. Health in the post-2015 development agenda and an action plan on mental health were also on the agenda on day 3 of the World Health Assembly.
Post-2015 development agenda in focus on first day of World Health Assembly 21-05-2013
The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly, WHO’s annual global meeting of ministers and senior health officials, opened on 20 May. It will discuss a draft global action plan for noncommunicable diseases, as well as action plans on mental health and the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
Long Short Walk in Brussels: focus on pedestrian safety 16-05-2013
European Road Safety Day, 6 May 2013, focused on pedestrian safety as part of the Second United Nations Global Road Safety Week. Over 100 people took part in a workshop in Brussels, Belgium to celebrate the event and explore policy recommendations for pedestrian safety in urban areas.
High-level French delegation visits WHO/Europe 26-04-2013
Mr Cyril Cosme, Head of Department with Responsibility for European and International Affairs at the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Vocational Training and Social dialogue and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France, and Ms Brigitte Arthur, Head of the Office of International Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, visited WHO/Europe on 25 April 2013. They met with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and other staff to discuss WHO/Europe’s activities and the framework for partnership between France and WHO/Europe.
Applications welcome for observership at WHO/Europe 18-04-2013
The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) is sponsoring a three-day observership for five people in WHO/Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases, Health Security and Environment.
Stronger collaboration with European Health Forum Gastein 17-04-2013
On 5 April 2013, President and Secretary General of the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), Professor Helmut Brand and Ms Dorli Kahr-Gottlieb, respectively, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and senior managers at WHO/Europe to discuss collaboration between the two organizations. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Professor Brand, EHFG President since October 2012, to gain a deeper understanding of WHO’s work.
WHO/Europe in Copenhagen moving to new premises 05-04-2013
WHO/Europe’s head office, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is moving to new premises during 22 March to 1 April 2013. All United Nations organizations in the Danish capital will come together in new premises known as UN City.
Key WHO/Europe events in 2013 15-01-2013
Following the adoption of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, in September 2012 and building on past resolutions and collaborative work, WHO/Europe plans many activities, campaigns and events in 2013.
WHO/Europe and the Eurasian Economic Community sign agreement 14-12-2012
On 10 December 2012, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Murat Musataev, Deputy Secretary General of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), signed an agreement to cooperate on health issues.
First step to stronger collaboration with UNFPA 05-12-2012
WHO/Europe works closely with the United Nations Population Fund Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (UNFPA EECARO) in a broad range of health areas. On 3 December 2012, Werner Haug, Regional Director of UNFPA EECARO, met Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to discuss strengthening strategic collaboration between the two agencies.
New public health action plan focuses on disease prevention and health promotion 12-11-2012
Participants in the annual conference of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), held in Malta, welcomed the launch of the WHO European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Services and Capacity on 9 November 2012.
RIVM and WHO/Europe to collaborate on health information provision 07-11-2012
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands and WHO/Europe agreed last week to collaborate on the further development and dissemination of European health information and knowledge.
Antibiotic resistance surveillance network extended throughout European Region 02-11-2012
On 30 October, WHO/Europe signed an agreement with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands, and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) to expand surveillance of antibiotic resistance to cover all countries in the WHO European Region.
Stronger collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority 03-07-2012
Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), together with three directors met Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 26 June 2012, to agree on the main strategic approach to strengthen EFSA/WHO collaboration and the technical areas for further collaboration.
Regional Director visits Pan American Health Organization 11-06-2012
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, is visiting the headquarters of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the WHO Regional Office of the Americas, on 11–13 June to strengthen cooperation and share experience.
WHO/Europe and EuroPharm Forum to develop joint initiatives 13-03-2012
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Dick Tromp, President of the EuroPharm Forum, signed a memorandum of understanding on 8 March 2012 establishing closer working relations.
WHO and European Commission reinforce cooperation in key areas 08-03-2012
Senior officials and technical experts agreed on concrete plans for working together in 2012 at a meeting on 6–7 March in Brussels, Belgium.
WHO and the European Commission to discuss future common action in key areas 01-03-2012
Senior officials and technical experts from WHO and the European Commission (EC) will meet in Brussels on 6-7 March to review progress since their last meeting in 2011, and to agree on concrete plans for working together in 2012.
WHO/Europe and the European Forum of Medical Associations (EFMA) prepare for next meeting 17-02-2012
WHO/Europe hosted EFMA’s Liaison Committee on 10 February 2012, and discussed preparations for EFMA’s next meeting and its partnership with WHO.
World Health Summit and WHO/Europe forge closer links 08-02-2012
Professor Detlev Ganten, President of the World Health Summit, and Dr Mazda Adli, its Executive Director, met Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 6 February 2012 to strengthen the partnership between the Summit and WHO.
Danish delegation visits WHO/Europe 10-01-2012
On 9 January 2012, a delegation from the Ministry of Health of Denmark visited WHO/Europe, to discuss current and future collaboration and support during Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
New clinical health promotion research centre opens in Scandinavia 29-11-2011
The opening of the brand new Clinical Health Promotion Centre, a collaboration between Nordic research institutions, was celebrated on 18 November 2011. The new centre will strengthen global clinical research and development in five key areas: alcohol/drugs, tobacco, nutrition, physical activity and comorbidity.
Collaboration on primary health care strengthened 15-11-2011
Three WHO collaborating centres on primary health care have committed themselves to joint work on a range of issues, including developments in mental health and noncommunicable diseases, the links between primary and secondary care, and inequities in health care by disease.
HIV prevention partnership goes online 03-11-2011
IQhiv – an initiative that identifies, adapts and disseminates practical tools to improve the quality of HIV prevention – is now online. The tools can be used to assess and strengthen operations and activities, as well as collect evidence on good practice.
Europe needs “strong value-based policy framework” for health 07-10-2011
Addressing politicians, senior decision-makers and experts at the 14th European Health Forum Gastein in Austria this week, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, explained why Health 2020, the new health policy for Europe, is even more critical in the current climate of economic austerity.
Collaboration cemented between WHO/Europe and Global Fund 12-09-2011
Today, WHO/Europe and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria exchanged letters and initiated a joint operational plan for 2011/2012.
Regional Director meets European Commissioner for Development and Cooperation - EuropeAid 01-09-2011
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, held discussions with Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Development and Cooperation - EuropeAid (DG DEVCO) in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday
Regional Director addresses Nordic Council of Ministers 21-06-2011
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, explained that tackling health inequalities is a central aim in the development of Health 2020, the new European policy for health and well-being, in a round-table discussion at the Nordic Council of Ministers for Health and Social Affairs meeting in Vaasa, Finland on 20 June 2011.
European Commission visit consolidates future work with WHO/Europe 17-06-2011
Dr Andrzej Rys, Director, Public Health and Risk Assessment, Directorate General for Health and Consumers, European Commission, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe last week, to plan activities for the priority areas of shared interest agreed in March 2011.
WHO/Europe and Global Fund reinvigorate partnership 18-04-2011
During discussions on 14 April 2011, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, agreed on immediate joint interventions to address multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the WHO European Region.
European ministers discuss health needs of people displaced by north African crisis 13-04-2011
Today, European health ministers and high-level officials met in Rome to improve international cooperation and coordination on the health issues related to the mass migration resulting from the crisis in northern Africa.
WHO and the European Commission meet to agree future common action in key areas 22-03-2011
Senior officials and technical experts from WHO and the European Commission meet in Brussels on 24 and 25 March 2011 to outline and agree how the two partnering organizations will work together.
Meeting with the European Respiratory Society 21-03-2011
Professor Francesco Blasi, Vice-President of the European Respiratory Society, met Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 18 March 2011 to discuss potential areas of collaboration.
Regional heads of United Nations agencies meet in Copenhagen 18-03-2011
On 16 March 2011, regional directors of the United Nations agencies in Europe and central Asia met in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss how to improve coherence and coordination among their agencies.
WHO/Europe forging closer links with European Health Forum Gastein 15-02-2011
Putting Health 2020 on the agenda and expanding the geographical scope of the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) to include the 53 countries in the WHO European Region were discussed by EHFG and WHO/Europe on 10 February 2011.
Meeting with the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations 22-12-2010
WHO/Europe and the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations have agreed to strengthen their collaboration and develop a workplan to frame this cooperation.
Regional Director addresses European Public Health Association (EUPHA) Conference 12-11-2010
Speaking at the opening of Conference yesterday, Zsuzsanna Jakab explained how WHO/Europe pursues an integrated approach to public health, to achieve better health for people in Europe.
WHO to map vitamin-D deficiency in Europe 02-11-2010
On 1 October 2010, WHO experts and representatives of the Public Advice International Foundation met to discuss vitamin-D deficiency in Europe.
WHO/Europe strengthens collaboration with the Northern Dimension 01-11-2010
On 28 October 2010, the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being held its annual conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, hosted by WHO/Europe.
WHO/Europe forging closer links with St Petersburg 21-09-2010
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met city leaders in St Petersburg, Russian Federation yesterday to discuss WHO support for tuberculosis initiatives and St Petersburg’s interest in joining the WHO Healthy Cities network.
WHO and European Commission adopt joint declaration 13-09-2010
The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Commission adopted a joint declaration today, seeking to strengthen policy dialogue and technical cooperation on public health.
EUPHA and WHO/Europe meet to strengthen public health 02-09-2010
On 27 August 2010, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met with Professor Walter Ricciardi, President-elect of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA). WHO/Europe has invited EUPHA to join the process of developing a new European health strategy.
Meeting with the Department of Health of England 01-09-2010
On 25 August 2010, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and senior WHO managers received a delegation from the Department of Health to discuss ongoing collaboration on health systems performance assessment.
WHO/Europe and World Bank collaborate on study of health systems 01-09-2010
Since 1990, eastern Europe and central Asia have made significantly lower gains in life expectancy than any group of middle- or high-income countries. WHO/Europe is working with the World Bank on a results-based assessment of health systems in these countries.
Meeting to strengthen partnership with the Global Fund 23-07-2010
On 12 July 2010, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Professor Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, met to strengthen the partnership between WHO/Europe and the Global Fund.
Look beyond health in policy-making 29-06-2010
Partners in developing health policy in the European Region are discussing how to push health onto other policy agendas at the European Union (EU) Open Health Forum in Brussels, Belgium today. Speaking at the Forum, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said that actively including health in all policies is vital to improving people’s health in the Region.
Meeting with OECD: building on the health information “bedrock” 18-06-2010
On 16 June, Mr Mark Pearson, Head of the Health Division at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to build on the excellent collaboration between the two organizations.